Tradition 5 – Jeff – 2020 New England Big Book Workshop Weekend

About This Speaker Tape

Jeff, a Worcester native, digs into Tradition F., arguing that the 'message' isn't just the 12 Steps, but the three legacies: recovery, unity, and service. He describes the early days of his sobriety—the fear of not being able to have fun without a drink and the discovery of a fellowship that camps and hosts virtual Jeopardy to prove that a sober life isn't a void. The conversation shifts to the practicalities of carrying the message in a pandemic world, moving from parking lot sponsorship to Zoom rooms.

Other speakers weigh in on the 'soul sickness' of the alcoholic and the tension of welcoming someone who is still drinking on Friday nights, while Russ recalls his first meeting, shaking and crying like a nine-year-old boy, only to be physically surrounded by a circle of people who embodied the primary purpose in real-time.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Introduction to the breakout session on Tradition Five.
• 2:15 Jeff discusses the 'alcoholic who still suffers' and the definition of the primary purpose.
• 4:30 Discussion of the Three Legacies: Recovery, Unity, and Service.
• 6:15 Jeff describes the 'recipe' metaphor for the 12 Steps.
• 7:45 Laughter/Discussion: The fear of not having fun sober and the experience of group camping trips.
• 9:30 Jeff's first service job as a greeter and the importance of the welcome.
• 11:15 Discussion on adapting the primary purpose to Zoom and virtual platforms during the pandemic.
• 14:45 Aaron discusses the Traditions as a way to clear away wreckage and get along with others.
• 17:30 Kathleen discusses the 'soul sickness' and the importance of greeting newcomers.
• 21:15 Diane discusses the 12th Step and the 'light overpowers the dark' metaphor.
• 26:30 Kathleen shares a specific struggle with a newcomer who still drinks on Fridays.
• 31:00 Russ describes his first meeting: shaking, crying, and being surrounded by a circle of support.